An update on Virginia politics
The latest in Virginia politics.
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Governor Glenn Youngkin and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney had breakfast together Tuesday morning.
An aide for the governor says they discussed education and lab schools, law enforcement, economic development priorities, and infrastructure needs including the combined sewer overflow.
The mayor’s office did not respond to a request for information about the meeting.
Ted Cruz endorsed Yesli Vega in VA-07’s Republican nomination contest
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is endorsing Prince William Supervisor Yesli Vega as she seeks the Republican nomination in Virginia’s seventh congressional district.
“I’m proud to endorse Yesli Vega for Congress in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. Yesli is a fighter who understands the importance of backing the blue, securing our Southern border, and protecting our 2nd Amendment,” Cruz said in his statement. “Yesli has a deep commitment to her community and I look forward to her serving the people of Virginia in Congress.”
Other Republicans seeking this nomination include state Sen. Bryce Reeves, Stafford Supervisor Crystal Vanuch, Derrick Anderson, Gary Adkins, Michael Monteforte, and Gina Garcia.
Rumor Mill
Kellen Squire is strongly considering a run for the HD-55 Democratic nomination. The new district was redrawn to be much more favorable to Democrats.
VPAP has Del. Rob Bell (R) listed as the incumbent in this district. VPAP analysis also provides the partisan breakdown of the new lines showing Terry McAuliffe won this district by 11 points last year.
Mike Pudhorodsky announced his intentions to run for the state senate in the new SD-21
SD-21 is based in Norfolk
“I am excited to meet the residents and voters of the newly formed 21st district and hear their concerns and needs,” Pudhorodky said in a statement. “I plan to bring progressive leadership to Richmond once elected and be a strong voice not only for the 21st district but the most underserved and those that feel that they don’t have a place at the table. I am going to work with progressives to continue to the work the work that democrats have accomplished the past two years, and make sure that Governor Youngkin’s extreme agenda is never enacted into law. Unlike my opponents I am refusing to take corporate donations and we are going to run a campaign on our grassroots message and with small donor donations. It is time to get money out of politics and have truly real campaign finance reform here in Virginia. For too long corporate interests have dictated what happens here in Virginia and that needs to stop. I want to make sure that all young adults in the City of Norfolk have the best quality education that Virginia should be providing.”
VPAP breaks down the partisan lean of Virginia’s new legislative district
VPAP ranked new legislative districts from most Republican at the top to most Democratic at the bottom based on results of the 2021 gubernatorial election. The numbers (e.g. R+28, D+8) indicate the number of percentage points separating Republican Glenn Youngkin and Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
China-backed hackers breached government networks in at least six US states, per new report - Verge
By Corin Faife
A technically advanced hacking group backed by the Chinese government has compromised the computer systems of at least six US state governments, according to a newly published threat report from cybersecurity firm Mandiant.
The group, which Mandiant refers to as APT41, targeted state governments in the US between May 2021 and February 2022, according to the report. Where networks were breached, Mandiant found evidence of the exfiltration of personally identifying information “consistent with an espionage operation,” although the company said that it could not make a definitive assessment of intent at this time.
All in all, Mandiant’s research paints a picture of a formidable, constantly adapting adversary.
Ukraine/Russia headlines
‘Putin is angry’: U.S. intel heads warn Russia could ‘double down’ in Ukraine
Zelensky receives standing ovation, calls for more support in address to U.K. Parliament via video
U.S. oil industry prepares to boost production — but with a giant warning
New York Times pulls journalists from Russia amid media crackdown
They never imagined they’d leave Ukraine — until they had to
58% of Russians support the invasion, with 23% opposed, new poll shows
Ukrainian truckers load up with donated supplies before going back to fight
Did you miss the newsletter this morning?
Here was the rundown:
Legislators are interviewing candidates to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court of Virginia
State Sen. Jen Kiggans talks about election security in an email to her supporters
Rumor Mill: There is another potential SD-10 Republican candidate
Swecker receives Democratic endorsements as she seeks reelection
Rep. Bob Good endorsed a candidate in VA-02
Rep. Rob Wittman attacks Biden over gas prices
Sen. Kaine sponsored legislation to ban Russian energy imports